Illustration of sojourner truth after a photograph

Sojourner Truth

  • Sojourner dictates her autobiography, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth.

    Sojourner dictates her autobiography, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth.
    Sojourner Truth had her book published by William Lloyd Garrison since she could not read or write. In the book, she describes her life as a slave, being separated from her family, changes in her religious beliefs, and traveling as a preacher during the mid-1840s. She eloquently voiced the struggles of black women fighting for racial and sexual equality.
  • Delivered famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", at women's rights conference in Akron, Ohio.

    Delivered famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", at women's rights conference in Akron, Ohio.
    Sojourner Truth toured to give lectures and spoke at the women’s rights conference in Akron, Ohio. She delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, which confronted prevailing beliefs about racial and gender inferiority. This is also when Truth severed ties with Frederick Douglass, who believed that black men's rights should be prioritized before the rights of black women.
  • Speaks at suffragist "mob convention" in New York City.

    Speaks at suffragist "mob convention" in New York City.
    Sojourner Truth spoke at the "mob convention", formally known as the women's rights convention. Protestors periodically interrupted speakers throughout the event and demonstrated the first public opposition to woman suffrage. The attendees in opposition served as evidence of the highly-masculine opinion that was oppressing women.
  • At 81 years old, Sojourner Truth attends the Women's Rights Convention as a delegate.

    At 81 years old, Sojourner Truth attends the Women's Rights Convention as a delegate.
    Sojourner Truth is a delegate to the Women's Rights Convention in Rochester, NY. This is also the year that the Women's Suffrage Amendment is introduced to Congress, which paves the way for women being able to vote.